Dynamic RRC Connections for Simultaneous Isolated Network Slice Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment faces challenges in dynamically switching between disjoint and/or isolated network slices in 5G networks, leading to increased signaling overhead, resource usage, and delayed service response times due to the need to register and deregister each time access to another network slice is required.
Innovation Solution
Implementing procedures for user equipment to connect, maintain, and switch between multiple network slices via Radio Resource Control (RRC) messaging with a shared Radio Access Network (RAN) and Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs), utilizing a Unified Data Management Function (UDM) for connection information storage and management, and maintaining multiple RRC connections with suspension and activation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user equipment registers and deregisters each time access to another network slice is required, then network slice access is achieved, but signaling overhead increases and service response time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing and maintaining RRC connections for multiple network slices in advance, so that when service is needed, the connection is already available. The UE maintains idle RRC connections for disjoint/isolated slices while keeping one active, eliminating the need for registration at service access time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling dynamic switching between active and idle RRC connection states. The UE can transition connections between states based on service requirements, allowing flexible adaptation to different network slice access needs without full re-registration.
2Productivity
If user equipment maintains multiple active RRC connections to multiple network slices, then service response time improves, but resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic state transitions between active and idle RRC connections. The UE maintains one active connection for immediate service while keeping other slice connections in idle state, dynamically switching states based on service demands to balance responsiveness and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the state of individual RRC connections based on service requirements. Different connections can be in different states (active or idle) simultaneously, allowing the system to optimize resource usage locally for each connection while maintaining overall service capability.
3Reliability
If user equipment switches between disjoint and isolated network slices, then network slice isolation requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating RRC connections into distinct segments for different network slices. Each slice has its own dedicated RRC connection that can be independently managed in active or idle state, ensuring isolation requirements are met while simplifying management through clear separation of concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described that support access to multiple mutually exclusive, isolated, and/or disjointed network slices by User Equipment, UE, across one or more networks. The UE connects (1102) to multiple network slices via a Radio Access Network, RAN, by way of one or more Radio Resource Control, RRC, connections. The RRC connections are maintained (1104) between the UE and a respective network slice by switching the connection to inactive or idle when another RRC connection needs to be established. The UE and/or the RAN switches (1106) an RRC connection from an inactive state to an active state based on a trigger condition such as receipt of a notification that downlink data is available over the inactive RRC connection. A Unified Data Management Function, UDM, stores and updates registration state information for the UE and multiple Access and Mobility Management Functions, AMFs.